Comments on: Chasing the perfect sunset

By: Aaron

Aaron — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:32:31 +0000

The largest softbox I use is a 7 ft Octodome. :)

Yeah, I have been thinking about grabbing the 56″ moon unit…which one do you have? I have been using my ringflash on location as a main light due to the flexibility of using it as an off-camera strobe or an on-camera ringlight. Let me know how you like the moon unit. :)

By: Todd Mizomi

Todd Mizomi — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:24:05 +0000

I was curious about that too. In some of your videos I think I’ve seen you use what looks like an Octodome? Also, your ringflash, have you been using it with or without the moon unit? I bought one, but haven’t really played around with it yet.

My Vagabond has been plugged into the wall ever since I got it, and I’m still not getting anywhere near what everyone else seems to get out of it. Wierd. ;-)

By: bronson

bronson — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:03:23 +0000

Good stuff Aaron – For the Vagabond, I haven’t had mine very long but it is recommended that it stay plugged in whenever it isn’t in use – that is supposed to help it last longer…
Quick question; what is the largest softbox you use?

By: Todd Mizomi

Todd Mizomi — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 01:58:32 +0000

I’ve had my Vagabond a few years now, but have rarely used it – maybe on 5 or 6 shoots total because it usually only lasts about 150 pops with an AB800 @ 1/2 power. (I’ve heard it’s supposed to last a LOT longer)

I’ve put up with it so far because I don’t do nearly the amount of shooting you do – no magazines or swimwear manufacturers have been hiring me to shoot for them yet. Maybe you can do a future podcast on how to get those kinds of contacts ;-)

I’ve worked with Alien Bees customer service several times and had the inverter replaced twice, but it’s still flakey (It works when it feels like it).

My friend had the same problem with his Vagabond, so he switched to the Honda Generator. I’ve been thinking about going that route as well someday.

By: Aaron

Aaron — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 12:13:28 +0000

Thanks so much Todd…your comments and insight are always appreciated!!

To date, I have been mostly using an 800…I just recently acquired a ring flash as well as a 1600…so I’ve been testing those out recently to see if there is a big difference. And honestly, there hasn’t been since I’ve really been able to get away with the 800 all this time. I think the real test will be in brighter daylight situations.

As far as sandbags…DEFINITELY a great idea! I usually use the vagabond to weigh my stand down…and I use the AB wide-foot stands…they are more stable.

Curious; how long have you had your Vagabond? Usually, if you have had it for more than a year or so, the battery tends to not recharge fully, thus not lasting as long. You might want to try replacing the battery portion, which is actually pretty easy to do. I haven’t had my battery die on a shoot…yet. :) And I’m actually able to use the Vagabond for a couple shoots before I have to recharge it. I don’t usually pop the lights higher than half to 3/4…and when I do push it to full power, it isn’t for very long.

By: Todd Mizomi

Todd Mizomi — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 10:25:17 +0000

Great podcast as always, Aaron. Really admire your sunset shots!

Just curious, which AB do you usually use for sunset work? 800 or 1600?

A tip you might want want to add is sandbags for your lightstands. Here on Maui, the beaches get very windy near sunset, so adding weights to the lightstand is a necessity, especially if you’re using a softbox.

I’ve been wanting to use my AB/Softbox setup at the beach more often, but keep running into issues with the Vagabond dying (usually in the middle of the shoot). Been looking into the Honda EU1000 generator to replace the Vagabond – have you tried those out or does your Vagabond workout pretty well for you?